When it comes to real estate photography, the art of preparing a property for photography and showings, known as staging, plays a crucial role in creating a visually appealing space.
A well-staged home grabs attention, showcases its potential, and ultimately leads to a faster sale and potentially a higher selling price.
But what are the secrets of a good home staging photo? Read our guide and learn essential tips and tricks to stage your home for real estate photography, transforming it from an empty space to a warm and inviting haven that resonates with potential buyers.
Declutter and Depersonalize
The first step to staging real estate photos successfully is creating a clean slate. Remove clutter that can overwhelm the space and distract potential buyers from imagining themselves living there. This includes excessive furniture, personal belongings like family photos, and knickknacks. Pack away anything that doesn’t contribute to the overall functionality or aesthetic of the space.
Deep Clean and Refresh
A clean and well-maintained space creates a positive impression. Ensure the home is thoroughly cleaned, including floors, surfaces, and windows. Pay attention to details like removing dust bunnies, wiping down fingerprints, and polishing fixtures. A fresh coat of paint in neutral tones can also significantly enhance the look and feel of the space.
Embrace Open Floor Plans
If your home boasts an open floor plan, highlight this desirable feature by strategically arranging furniture to create defined areas while maintaining a sense of spaciousness. Avoid blocking walkways or creating cramped areas. Potential buyers should be able to envision the flow of life within the space.
Stage for Functionality
Arrange furniture to showcase the intended use of each room. In the living room, create a conversation area with seating facing each other around a coffee table. In the dining room, set the table with attractive place settings to emphasize the functionality of the space. This helps potential buyers imagine themselves using and enjoying the space for everyday living.
Maximize Natural Light
Natural light is a photographer’s best friend, and it plays a crucial role in creating bright and inviting real estate photos. Open all curtains and blinds to allow as much natural light as possible to flood the space. Diffused morning or afternoon light is ideal, as it creates a soft and natural glow.
Accentuate Architectural Details
Don’t let unique architectural features like fireplaces, built-in bookshelves, or crown molding go unnoticed. Highlight these details by strategically arranging furniture and incorporating lighting that accentuates their beauty. Consider including close-up shots of these features in your real estate photography to showcase the home’s character and craftsmanship.
Let the Outdoors In
If your property boasts a beautiful patio, deck, or balcony, stage it to create an inviting outdoor living space. Arrange comfortable seating, add a small table, and incorporate greenery with potted plants or flowers. This extends the living space visually and showcases the property’s connection to the outdoors.
Create a Warm and Inviting Atmosphere
Strategic use of accessories can elevate the space and add a touch of personality. Incorporate throw pillows, blankets, and artwork that complement the color scheme and create a sense of warmth and comfort. Fresh flowers are another excellent way to add a touch of color and life to the space.
How to Stage a House for Photos: Room-by-Room Staging Tips
While the general principles of decluttering, maximizing natural light, and creating a warm and inviting atmosphere apply throughout the house, here are some specific staging tips for each room to ensure your real estate photography captures their unique potential:
Living room
Arrange furniture to encourage conversation. Face seating towards each other around a coffee table with a centerpiece like a decorative tray or a bowl of interesting objects.
Define the living space with an area rug that’s the right size for the furniture arrangement. Choose a neutral color with a subtle pattern to avoid overwhelming the space.
Opt for throw pillows, blankets, and artwork that can add personality and warmth. Choose colors that complement your overall color scheme.
Dining room
Showcase the functionality of the dining room by setting the table with attractive place settings. Use white or neutral dishes with simple flatware to create a clean and elegant look.
If possible, position the dining table near a window to benefit from natural light. In the absence of natural light, consider adding a centerpiece with candles to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Kitchen
Maintain clear countertops to showcase the workspace and create a sense of spaciousness. Stage essential appliances like a coffee maker or toaster for a touch of functionality.
Provide a shine to the kitchen space with stainless steel appliances that can give a touch of luxury. Ensure they are clean and fingerprint-free for the photos. You can also consider placing a decorative basket filled with fresh fruit or colorful towels on the counter for a pop of color and visual interest.
Bedroom
Create a relaxing and inviting atmosphere in the master bedroom. Dress the bed with a clean comforter and add throw pillows for a layered look. Stage nightstands with lamps and showcase closet space by neatly hanging a few clothes.
Bathroom
A bathroom should feel clean, fresh, and luxurious. Fold towels neatly and arrange toiletries in dispensers for a clean look.
Consider placing mirrors strategically to create a sense of spaciousness and reflect light, making the bathroom appear larger and brighter. You can also incorporate a small potted plant to add a touch of life and color to the bathroom.
Entryway
The entryway sets the tone for the entire home. Stage it with a stylish welcome mat and a decorative bowl or vase to create a warm and inviting entrance. Ensure the entryway is clutter-free and provides ample space for guests to remove coats and shoes.
The outside area
Don’t neglect the exterior of your home. First impressions matter, and the curb appeal significantly impacts the potential buyers’ initial reaction. Ensure your lawn is mowed, edges are trimmed, and landscaping is neat. Consider adding a colorful welcome mat and seasonal plants to create a warm and inviting entrance.
Opt for Professional Staging Services
For a truly transformative experience, consider hiring a professional stager. Professional stagers have a trained eye for creating inviting spaces and possess a wide variety of furniture and accessories to suit different styles and budgets. They can help declutter effectively, arrange furniture strategically, and create a visually cohesive and appealing look for your real estate photos.
Conclusion
By following these tips and injecting your creativity, you can stage your home for real estate photography to showcase its true potential and attract serious buyers. Remember, a well-staged home not only helps buyers envision themselves living in the space but also portrays it as well-maintained and move-in-ready, potentially increasing its value and selling faster.
